SCRATCH | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

late Middle English: probably a blend of the synonymous dialect words scrat and cratch, both of uncertain origin; compare with Middle Low German kratsen and Old High German krazzōn

score or mark the surface of (something) with a sharp or pointed object

score or mark surface of something with sharp or pointed object

• the car's paintwork was battered and scratched
• he scratched at a stain on his jacket

cancel or strike out (writing) with a pen or pencil

cancel or strike out writing with pen or pencil

• the name of Dr McNab was scratched out and that of Dr Dunstaple substituted

play a record using the scratch technique.

play record using scratch technique

• he raps and scratches simultaneously to dazzling effect

a mark or wound made by scratching

mark or wound made by scratching

• the scratches on her arm were throbbing

a technique, used especially in rap music, of stopping a record by hand and moving it back and forwards to give a rhythmic scratching effect

technique

• a scratch mix

(in sport) the starting point in a race for a competitor that is not given a handicap or advantage

(in sport) starting point in race for competitor that is not given handicap or advantage

• a 631-metres handicap, when the excellent stayer, Too Fast, will be off scratch

money

money

• he was working to get some scratch together

assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of the highest quality

assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of highest quality

• City were fielding a scratch squad

(of a sports competitor or event) with no handicap given

(of sports competitor or event) with no handicap given

• he was a scratch player at many courses